Fellowship Program

The Fare Trade Fellowship is geared towards hands-on experience in the artisanal food community focused in the 5 boroughs. Ideal candidates for this position are individuals looking to transition into the artisanal food community by supporting and experiencing first hand the many facets of owning and maintaining a small craft production business. Candidates should pursue a position with a six month commitment in mind and some amount of experience in food production, food handling, or other aspects of business related to the NYC vendors who will host them.

Vendors this is an opportunity to take the next step forward in your business and partake in an important exchange of information and skills. If you choose to participate as a Fare Trade member you will benefit from:

A qualified and passionate work pool

Reliable employees who are committed to working alongside you for at least 6 months

A very competitive wage rate that makes having help feasible

Interviews, scheduling, payroll and regular training workshops are all handled by the program coordinator to ensure an organized and straightforward hiring process

What’s to be gained by participating vendors?

Reliable employees who are committed to working alongside you for at least 6 months

A very competitive wage rate that makes having help feasible

Interviews, scheduling, payroll and regular training workshops are all handled by the program coordinator to ensure an organized and straightforward hiring process

Weekly assistance on various production, shipping, promotion, market and demos

A filter system to ensure the best and most fitting help for you

Help coordinating various odd jobs and duties for your part time assistant

The ability to impart hard earned experience on someone interested in your craft and components of running a business

An opportunity to build your artisanal community

Potential access to rotating demo group

A direct contact for performance feedback and coaching if the person assigned to assist you requires extra coaching and instruction.

What’s to be gained by the fellow?

Working side by side with a successful artisanal food producer

Gaining invaluable real life experience in an industry they hope to join

Creating connections in their community

Offering support to vendors who are looking to grow their food business

Monthly stipend and a fixed term commitment

Structure and guidance during their exploration of a new and burgeoning craft food industry

Education without having to pay an institution

Check out what two participating vendors had to say about the challenges and rewards of running their business.

”The whole concept of the company is staying true to ourselves in the sense that everything is fun and silly. The flavors are not typical, but we give them simple names. The ingredients are as simple as possible.”

“We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. We just jumped in and it has been fun. We don’t sleep though and we work really long hours but we just keep going.”

This is what they had to say about working and learning at the Jam Stand.

“Having an extra set of hands is what we need right now to get us to the next level. We are working 13-18 hours, 7 days a week. An extra set of hands means everything from helping in the kitchen, working the markets or researching new accounts. It means faster and more efficient production. It’s nice to have a person with different skill sets than what we have.”

“We are looking for a person that’s enthusiastic and passionate. They have to be-as we like to say- a hustler. They need to know that this is where they really want to be.”

“We are both open to new ideas. We want them [prospective fellows] to be hands on. We don’t want someone to just work in the kitchen. We want them to learn as much as possible and do as much as they want to do. We are small, but we are growing and it allows someone to see that process. It’s learning as doing.”

“All of our stuff is based on our travels. It’s exciting to be able to make something that brings you back and share it with your family, your friends and your community.”

“It’s amazing to see a product take off. To see people come back every week to the markets and ask for a product is so cool. There is so much pride in presenting people with what you make. It’s what we do on a daily basis now. That is huge.”

This is what they had to say about working with new fellows…

“We need people who are quick workers and are really excited about food. You have got to be excited about the food system and be able to see the bigger picture and the importance behind why we do this.”

“Even if they don’t have kitchen experience it’s really about an attitude. Can you take criticism? Are you good at working on a team? People who have a sense of humor are great.”

“There is a lot to gain by working alongside an entrepreneur or artisan. It can seem like just chopping vegetables but what’s to learn are the intricacies of starting a business. It’s never, ever just chopping vegetables. If you ever have the chance to work alongside someone before you do it alone that’s huge!”

So what are you waiting for? We accept applications on a rolling basis so download your application below. Please return completed applications to our program coordinator at Kris@faretradenyc.com.